Join the Discussion

On our March 4, 2015 Program:

“Issues & Priorities on the Continent”

With more than one billion people living in Africa, the continent has many issues that need to be worked out and prioritized. So, this year is bound to be eventful. We’ll take a look at upcoming African elections, peace and security and trade. We’ll also discuss whether the African Union is equipped to meet these challenges.

Join us for this live one-hour television and radio call-in simulcast when host Shaka Ssali and his guests discuss Africa’s issues and priorities.

Social Media
Twitter: @VOA Shaka
Hashtag: #VOAAfricaIssues

Here's our Question of the Week:
What do you think should be Africa’s top issues and priorities?

In the competitive and changing television industry, nothing is more valuable for job-seekers than "real world" experience. The Straight Talk Africa internship program offers motivated and outstanding students exciting opportunities to experience practical journalism. In addition to helping to get our weekly studio programs on-the-air, interns also produce a final project for their portfolios. Projects include writing and producing promos, stories, and even full-length documentary or magazine shows.

For more information and/or send your resume to: africatv@voanews.com
attention Roblyn Hymes. Applications are accepted on a open deadline basis.

A Straight Talk Africa Special

About the Host

Shaka, a Ugandan-born American journalist, holds a doctorate in cross-cultural communication and history from UCLA in California. He is a former Ford Foundation Fellow and has received numerous honors, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism. Other awards include VOA's Best Journalist Award and Kigezi College Butobere's first ever Highest Achievement Award in International Human Communication. Butobere is located in Kabale, southwestern Uganda, and is Shaka’s alma mater.

During his career, Shaka has interviewed and hosted many presidents and prime ministers. Among them: General Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Nigeria; Levy Patrick Mwanawasa; Former President, Zambia; Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister, United Kingdom; Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama; Ghana President John Evans Atta Mills; Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President, Liberia; Hifikepunye Pohamba, President, Namibia; Uganda President Yoweri Museveni; Joseph Kabila, President, DRC; Rwanda President Paul Kagame; and General Salva Kiir, First Vice President, and president of the government of Southern Sudan.